Nepal Plane Crash Update: At least 18 people died after Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed and caught fire while it was taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Wednesday, officials said. 19 people, including aircrew, were aboard the Pokhara-bound plane which met with the accident at around 11 AM today, news agency PTI reported citing sources. 

Videos and images which have emerged from the site of the plane crash show the completely charred remains of the plane at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

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WATCH: Visuals From Site Of Plane Crash In Nepal

Rescue and relief work was being carried out following the deadly crash.

Airport officials and rescue personnel gather at the Tribhuvan International Airport after the plane crash. (Screengrab: ANI)

The crash occurred when the aircraft veered off the runway and erupted into flames. Footage from the scene captured dramatic moments of the plane speeding down the runway before a fire broke out, producing high flames and thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage.

"The accident occurred after the Pokhara-bound flight suffered a runway excursion during takeoff," said TIA Spokesperson Subash Jha, as quoted by PTI. As per the Himalayan Times newspaper, the plane was only carrying the technical staff of the airline. "There were no passengers on board but the plane was carrying few technical staff," Gyanendra Bhul, information officer at the TIA, said.

The pilot of the Saurya Airlines plane survived the crash and was taken to hospital, officials said. Following the plane crash, authorities have closed TIA due to which several international and domestic flights have been disrupted. 

(With Agencies Inputs)